Today, DC Comics released Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater and illustrated by Morgan Beem. The newest YA graphic novel is a haunting retelling of Swamp Thing origin story.
Check out my review and get a preview of this incredible story perfect for Halloween! Thank you so much DC Comics for the free copy of the book and for having me on the tour.
From #1‑New York Times‑bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater (the Raven Cycle series) and artist Morgan Beem comes DC’s newest young adult original graphic novel, the spine-tingling saga Swamp Thing: Twin Branches.
In the pages of this haunting retelling of the Swamp Thing origin story, teenage twin brothers Alec and Walker Holland arrive in Virginia for their last summer before college, but while Walker thrives in the light of parties and social life, Alec recedes into the cool darkness of the lab, driven to finding answers in his plant experiment on consciousness and memory. But what Alec comes to realize is that the experiment isn’t about solving nature’s riddles, but about finding out who he really is. And though these twin brothers have grown apart, they share the same roots – and will unite once more before splintering apart forever.
Swamp Thing: Twin Branches hits stores everywhere books are sold on 10/13/2020.
“HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Fans have flocked to Stiefvater’s high-concept YA series (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, The Raven Cycle). Her first graphic novel serves up everything they love.” —Booklist
“An appealing coming-of-age story infused with horror-movie sensibilities, Swamp Thing: Twin Branches makes for, asthe Swamp Thing’s tagline once read, “sophisticated suspense.” —Foreword Reviews
Synopsis
From #1‑New York Times‑bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater (the Raven Cycle series) and artist Morgan Beem comes DC’s newest young adult original graphic novel, the spine-tingling saga Swamp Thing: Twin Branches.
In the pages of this haunting retelling of the Swamp Thing origin story, teenage twin brothers Alec and Walker Holland arrive in Virginia for their last summer before college, but while Walker thrives in the light of parties and social life, Alec recedes into the cool darkness of the lab, driven to finding answers in his plant experiment on consciousness and memory.
But what Alec comes to realize is that the experiment isn’t about solving nature’s riddles, but about finding out who he really is. And though these twin brothers have grown apart, they share the same roots – and will unite once more before splintering apart forever.
Swamp Thing: Twins Branches is a haunting coming-of-age story about growing into who you’re meant to be, and the sacrifices you make to protect the people you love. This original young adult graphic novel is aimed at readers ages 13+ and deftly interweaves in social issues like bullying, peer pressure and living with a medical condition, while examining themes like growing up, the importance of communication, sharing memories and experiences, and overcoming trauma.
Twins Alec and Walker Holland have a reputation around town. One is quiet and the other is the life of any party, but they are inseparable. Spending their last summer before college together, the two leave the city to live with their rural cousins, where they find that the swamp holds far darker depths than they could have imagined. This season, both brothers must confront truths, ancient and familial, and as their lives diverge, tensions increase and dormant memories claw to the surface.
Book Review
Swamp Thing: Twin Branches is the perfect read for the season. I enjoyed both the story and the illustrations. This graphic novel touches on some important topics for teenagers such as bullying, first love, brotherhood, and doubts when it comes to finding your own path in this world. Of course, the story comes with a fantasy twist that does have a bit of “Poison Ivy” vibe. I absolutely loved it!
I honestly enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers. Life throws them some curveballs but they stick together. Appearances can be deceiving, but here it comes with a heartwarming twist. The romance touched me too. Overall, this is a fast read that will melt your heart, but it will also provide a healthy dose of mystery. I highly recommend it.
EXCERPT – Swamp Thing : Twin Branches
Here is a preview of Swamp Thing: Twin Branches, courtesy of DC Comics. 🙂 Enjoy!
Imagery: courtesy of DC Comics
About Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie Stiefvater is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Raven Cycle, the Shiver trilogy, and other novels for young people and adults. She is also an artist, an auto enthusiast, and a bagpiper. She lives on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley with her husband, her two children, and an assortment of fainting goats. Find her online at www.maggiestiefvater.com.
About Morgan Beem
Morgan Beem is a freelance artist and member of the Jam House collective located in Denver, Colorado. Her work is predominantly in comics and illustration. She has worked on such properties as Adventure Time, Planet of the Apes, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and is the co-creator, alongside writers Justin Jordan and Nikki Ryan, of the series The Family Trade from Image Comics.
About DC’s YA Graphic Novels
DC’s young adult graphic novels introduce DC’s most iconic Super Heroes to a new generation of fans with stories told by some of the most successful authors from the young adult publishing space. The YA titles are standalone stories, not part of DC’s ongoing continuity, and completely accessible to new readers who have no previous knowledge of DC characters.
